Sr. Advisor, Parts Planning

Position Overview

The Sr. Advisor, Parts Planning is responsible for forecasting, planning, and optimizing demand for OEM spare parts to ensure high service levels across dealer and service networks while minimizing inventory risks. The role focuses on balancing parts availability, inventory investment, and obsolescence, in line with OEM supply chain policies and aftersales performance targets.

Key Responsibilities

Demand Forecasting & Planning

• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve demand forecasts for OEM spare parts across all product categories (fast‑moving, slow‑moving, VOR, critical, and campaign parts).
• Use historical sales, vehicle population, failure rates, and lifecycle data to generate accurate forecasts.
• Monitor forecast accuracy and bias and implement corrective actions where required.
• Support short‑term and long‑term demand planning cycles in alignment with OEM guidelines.

Inventory & Supply Planning

• Translate demand forecasts into replenishment plans ensuring optimal stock availability at PDC/RDC and dealer locations.
• Balance service level targets inventory investment, aging, and obsolescence control.
• Monitor stock coverage, backorders, and excess inventory risks.
• Recommend redistribution, liquidation, or return‑to‑OEM actions for slow‑moving and obsolete parts.

OEM Coordination & Compliance

• Ensure alignment with OEM demand planning processes, systems, and parameters (lead times, MOQ, order cycles).
• Participate in OEM calls, planning reviews, and performance assessments.
• Manage exception scenarios such as VOR demand, recalls, service campaigns, and emergency supply requirements.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Track and report demand planning KPIs, including:
• Forecast accuracy
• Parts fill rate / service level
• Backorder levels
• Inventory turns and aging
• Provide insights and recommendations to management to improve parts availability and cost performance.

New Model & Lifecycle Management

• Support demand planning for new vehicle model launches and parts introductions.
• Adjust forecasts based on vehicle parc evolution, warranty periods, and product lifecycle stages (introduction, maturity, decline).
• Coordinate phase‑in / phase‑out planning for superseded and discontinued parts.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Aftersales, Parts Pricing, Supply Chain, Warehouse/3PL, Sales, and Finance teams.
• Support dealer network demand planning and stock optimization initiatives.
• Provide analytical support for promotions, campaigns, and special programs.

Skills

• Strong analytical and forecasting skills
• Advanced Excel and data analysis capabilities
• Knowledge of inventory optimization and demand planning concepts
• Ability to work with OEM planning systems and processes
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• High attention to detail and structured problem‑solving abilities
• Ability to work under service‑level and availability pressure

Minimum Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in demand planning, inventory planning, or supply chain roles, preferably within an automotive OEM or authorized distributor environment.
• Strong understanding of automotive spare parts demand drivers and dealer operations.
• Experience with ERP and planning systems (SAP preferred).